Fountain in Plaça d'Espanya, Monumental fountain in Plaça d'Espanya, Barcelona, Spain
This fountain on Plaça d'Espanya is a circular structure with three large niches holding sculptural groups that represent rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Cantabrian Sea. Three Corinthian columns support the central body, topped with a fire vessel crowned by three Victories.
Architects Josep Maria Jujol, Miquel Blay, and brothers Miquel and Llucià Oslé designed this structure for Barcelona's 1929 International Exhibition. The monument was created during a period when the city was establishing itself as a modern metropolis.
The fountain reflects Noucentisme, a Catalan artistic movement of the early 20th century, through its decorative sculptural groups and classical proportions. You can see this style in the detailed relief work and the careful balance of the composition.
The fountain sits at a major traffic circle, making it visible from multiple surrounding avenues and easy to spot as a landmark. You can approach it from different sides of the plaza to view and photograph it from various angles.
Three Corinthian columns surrounding the central body each represent Religion, Heroism, and Arts, creating a symbolic trio that adds deeper meaning to the monument. This triple symbolism was a deliberate choice that reflects early 20th-century ideals about society and culture.
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